Review: The Goblin King by Shona Husk

Cursed by a Druid millennia ago, Roan lives a bleak existence in the Shadowlands, desperately trying to retain his soul and not succumb to the goblin horde. When a beautiful human summons him to grant a wish, he sees a glimmer of hope. But will she ever agree to be his queen?

Back Cover Synopsis:

Once upon a time...

A man was cursed to the Shadowlands, his heart replaced with a cold lump of gold. In legends he became known as The Goblin King.

For a favored few he will grant a wish. Yet, desperately clinging to his waning human soul, his one own desire remains unfulfilled: A Willing Queen.

But who would consent to move from the modern-day world into the realm of nightmares? No matter how intoxicating his touch, no matter how deep his valor, loving him is dangerous. And the one woman who might dare to try could also destroy him forever.

I can’t not immediately think of David Bowie and the movie Labyrinth when I see the title of the first book in Shona Husk’s paranormal romance trilogy, THE GOBLIN KING. I always thought that movie was missing a romance and it was great fun to get to read a book that delivered a truly magical goblin/human love story. Why don’t we see more goblins in paranormal romance? Oh, right, because they look like goblins. Not exactly ideal for making the heart go pitter pat. But Shona Husk’s mythology handles this situation perfectly. In our world, goblins look a lot like Gollum from Lord of the Rings. But in their home in the Shadowlands, they look human. That is until they completely use up their human souls. After that it’s full goblin mode all the time.

Roan was an near perfect romantic hero. He’s lived for millennia as The Goblin King, a human cursed with a golden heart and an all consuming desire for the shiny metal. His curse forces him to answer the summons of humans and grant wishes. But he’s far from a complacent genie. He’s crafty and merciless. His humanity all but gone. When Eliza summons him to escape an engagement she is trapped in, he snatches her from her world with every intention to enjoy her whether she wants to or not. It’s only when he recognizes her as the little girl he saved and spend one perfect day with years ago (which you can read about in the free prequel ebook), that what’s left of his humanity flickers back to life.

There’s a beautiful Beauty and the Beast quality to the romance in THE GOBLIN KING (with a super hot sensuality level) that I found completely enchanting. Eliza is forced to wrestle with her emotions where Roan is concerned and decide what’s she’s willing to give up to save him, if saving him is even possible. She’s also got a serious situation back home with a blackmailing fiancé and a family legacy caught in the balance. I really appreciated the separate yet complimentary stories that each character had apart from their romance.

If, like me, you had a crush on The Goblin King from Labyrinth and always fall for the Beauty and the Beast type stories, you’re going to love THE GOBLIN KING. Fresh mythology, wonderful character redemption, and the power of true love. This is exactly what paranormal romance fans crave. The next book in the Shadowlands trilogy will be published in May 2012, and is called KISS OF THE GOBLIN PRINCE. I’m certainly ready to pucker up.

Hmmm I couldn't leave a comment on the giveaway post and I tried re-loading it a few times. To answer the question I don't have a favorite mythical king but have been fascinated with myths. A goblin story sounds good!

I could not leave my comment for the contest under its post so I did here under the review. Thanks for the review by the way. I'd love to read this. My answer to the question is King Minos. I love that greek myth.

Thor, I love Norse mythology and he is just awesome. Kind of a bully but mad skills. Valhalla, snow, ice and gods!

I am very excited about the Goblin King, any book that uses mythology (of any kind) grabs me right away. And Husk's version sounds downright drool worthy, if not a little intimidating. And I am also a sucker for any Beauty and the Beast type story…so yup I am sold! Nice review!

Hot Off the Press

About

Started in 2009, All Things Urban Fantasy is the place 'Where Para is Normal'. This your one stop for all things Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal YA, & Speculative Fiction titles. Want to know more about ATUF? Read the about page.

If you would like a book reviewed on this site please request a review. All inquires are welcome.

Support All Things Urban Fantasy!

Currently, nearly all of All Things Urban Fantasy's revenue comes from Amazon affiliate purchases. We use this revenue to keep the blog afloat. If you're a regular Amazon shopper, please consider using the link or search box and All Things Urban Fantasy will receive a percentage of your purchases. Thanks!

ATUF Rating System

Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.
Loved it! Buy it now & put this author on your watch list.
A fun read with minor flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.
A few good points, but with significant flaws. Library/swap/borrow if you want.
I had to force myself to finish it. Fatally flawed on multiple levels.

Subscribe via email

Received for Review

FTC Disclaimer

Though All Things Urban Fantasy bloggers will sometimes purchase books for review, please assume that most books reviewed on this site were provided by the publisher or author in return for a fair and unbiased review.
Also, please note that our links to Amazon and The Book Depository are affiliate links, returning some of the percentage of any purchases you make to All Things Urban Fantasy.